Strawberry tree, also known as arbutus or strawberry, is found in the natural environment in Western Europe, the Mediterranean, North America. The image of a relic plant, rightfully included in the ten most beautiful representatives of the flora, can be seen on the coat of arms of Madrid.
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Strawberry tree: types, varieties and description
Strawberry from the Heather family is an evergreen plant growing in the form of a bush or tree. On average, the height of the shoots covered with a crust of a reddish tint is 3-5 m, but some species can reach 12 m. Flowering, in which the shoots are covered with white and yellow flowers, is observed in May. Multi-seeded fruits, reminiscent of the appearance and taste of garden strawberries, have a pleasant aroma.
In the natural environment, the genus has about 20 species. However, in indoor floriculture, only a highly decorative large-fruited strawberry tree is cultivated with cream inflorescences that stand out against the background of bright green egg-shaped leaf plates. In place of faded flowers, large fruits of intense orange color are formed, resembling strawberries in shape. The flowering phase is superimposed on the fruiting period, which gives the plant even more decorativeness when the crown is dotted with flowers and berries.
Growing plants from seeds
The most common and effective way to breed strawberries is generative.
In a procedure that can be carried out at any time of the year:
- Seeds are stratified for 2 months at a temperature of 24 ° C by being in a mixture of peat and sand (1: 2).
- At the end of the specified period, the seeds are aged for a week in warm water, which is systematically updated.
- Next, a substrate is prepared from sand and peat in equal parts.
- Seeds are distributed on the surface of the soil mixture and slightly sprinkled with soil.
- The container with crops is covered with glass, which is removed for spraying as the soil dries.
- After 2-3 months, seedlings appear.
- Dive is carried out after the formation of the second pair of true leaves.
Arbutus planting at home
To plant a strawberry tree, you need to choose the right pot and soil for the plant.
Pot and soil requirements
Arbutus feels good in tall and not very wide pots. To acidity and soil structure, the culture is undemanding and can well develop on both dense and loose soils of different reactions. In the store for the plant, you can buy a universal substrate. If the florist prefers to independently prepare the land, then just pick up the soil from under the tree species in the garden.
Landing technology
The main stages of landing:
- A drain is placed at the bottom of the selected pot.
- Up to half the capacity is filled with the substrate on which the seedling is placed.
- Empty places are covered with soil, which is compacted and moistened.
How to care for a strawberry tree?
Caring for an unpretentious strawberry is very simple and does not require much time.
Lighting and temperature
The photophilous plant needs good lighting. Optimum temperature values range from 20-25 ° C. In summertime, if possible, it is recommended to move the culture to fresh air - in a place protected from drafts and precipitation.
Watering and humidity
During the period of active growth, the arbutus is abundantly watered with settled water, but only after the top layer of the soil has dried. Due to its drought tolerance, the culture does not need a high level of humidity.
Fertilizing and fertilizers
Additional food for strawberries is organized during the intensive growing season twice a month with the help of complex mineral fertilizers, which should include all three macrocells - nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium.
Dormancy
After fruiting is completed, the volume and frequency of watering is reduced, feeding is stopped. With the advent of winter, the plant moves to a cool room with a temperature of 3 to 10 ° C.
Disease and Pest Prevention
Arbutus is resistant to damage by pathogens and pests. The development of root rot, which is a fungal disease, is possible only with systematic waterlogging over a long period of time. Among the harmful insects, a spider mite is noted, which is noted during air and soil drought. As a preventive measure, moderate air humidity should be maintained and the earthen coma not dry out. If the plant is already populated by an insect, it is necessary to immediately treat the strawberries with an insecticidal solution.
Strawberry propagation methods
Arbutus can reproduce not only by seed, but also vegetatively using cuttings. However, grafting is unproductive due to poor root formation in planting material.
But if the grower decided to carry out the procedure, then:
- In August, apical cuttings of young specimens are cut.
- Slice sites are treated with a growth stimulator.
- Prepared planting material is planted in a greenhouse, where it hibernates.
- Transplanting into permanent pots with soil for an adult is carried out next spring.
The benefits and use of strawberry berries
Arbutus berries are used in many areas of life:
- The fruits of strawberries are rich in vitamin C and are often consumed fresh in the diet.
- In cooking, berries have found application in the preparation of jam, jam, liquor and even vodka.
- In the medical field, all parts of the plant are used to create diaphoretic, antiseptic, diuretics.
- In the craft business, the bark of the plant is used to tan leather and strong wood to create caskets.
Thus, due to the unpretentiousness of the culture, even beginners can grow cultivated strawberries, which have healthy fruits and very decorative qualities.
